After surviving several scares late on against Tamworth, Tottenham Hotspur and Ange Postecoglou eventually moved to the next round of the FA Cup.
Tottenham were dangerously close to dropping 1-0 behind in the dying moments of the 90 minutes, with Spurs’ defenders just about doing enough to earn extra-time.
Then, with the introduction of Dejan Kulusevski, Spurs’ brilliance was too much for their National League opponents, who may still be upset over the rule change that denied them a repeat in north London.
Tottenham will undoubtedly need to improve when they face Aston Villa in the fourth round.
Last season, Villa competed with Spurs for the final Champions League slot, and it could be time for Postecoglou’s team to exact some payback.
Andy Peaks is delighted with Ange Postecoglou’s ‘respectful’ attitude
However, with his attention focused on Sunday’s victory, Tamworth manager Andy Peaks had some complimentary words to say about Tottenham after their 3-0 extra-time success over his team.
Peaks admitted he was’so proud’ of his team, and then lauded Spurs for their ‘respectful’ approach to the game, which Postecoglou was determined to foster.
Peaks told ITV Sport: “I’m disappointed because we came so close to making a major upset, but I’m also extremely proud.
“Everyone worked hard, and when you look at the team we were up against, our boys performed admirably; I am really pleased of them.
“We had chances, and the goalkeeper made saves, but what was great was that we stayed in the game until the end.
“We knew it would be challenging. I wanted people to realize what we were about, and I believe we accomplished that.
“I wanted to come here and talk to you guys and be proud of what I have seen – I am immensely proud.
“To get a home draw was better. We got a chance to level it when they came here. They’ve been extremely respectful, and bringing a squad like that means a lot – I can’t fault them.”
Spurs still need to improve against Arsenal.
Of all, Spurs only deserve so much credit for getting past Tamworth, especially since they needed additional time to do so.
When Tottenham face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, Postecoglou may be forced to drop one of his players.
Arsenal will be desperate to improve on their previous cup disappointments, and Spurs’ arrival could provide the perfect occasion to do so.
Tottenham, like Arsenal, will be without numerous players for the North London Derby.
However, there is still rationale for Postecoglou to make significant changes, with players such as Lucas Bergvall pushing to start.
